Conference
AILACTE National Conference
AILACTE 2027
National Conference
February 25 & 26, 2027
Columbus, OH
Greater Columbus Convention Center
400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Conference Theme
Empowering Independent Institutions: Advancing Educator Preparation Through Innovation
Conference Strands
STRAND 1
Strand 1: Empowering Future Educators Through Transformative Teaching and Learning
Independent educator preparation programs are uniquely positioned to prepare reflective, adaptive, and mission-driven educators who thrive in rapidly changing educational environments. This strand welcomes proposals that explore innovative teaching, curriculum design, clinical preparation, technology integration, and emerging instructional practices that prepare educators for today’s schools.
Focus Questions:
- How are educator preparation programs preparing candidates for today’s diverse classrooms?
- How can AI and emerging technologies strengthen, rather than replace, human-centered teaching?
- What innovative instructional practices improve candidate learning and readiness?
- How are institutions preparing educators for specialized contexts including STEM, literacy, multilingual education, special education, or rural schools?
- How do liberal arts foundations strengthen educator preparation?
STRAND 2
Strand 2: Empowering Partnerships That Strengthen Communities
Strong partnerships are essential to meaningful educator preparation. This strand highlights collaborative work among educator preparation programs, P-12 schools, districts, community organizations, families, and other stakeholders that creates reciprocal benefits and strengthens candidate preparation.
Focus Questions:
- What innovative partnership models are improving clinical preparation?
- How can independent institutions deepen collaboration with P-12 schools and community organizations?
- What role do families and community partners play in educator preparation?
- How can partnerships improve educator recruitment, retention, and workforce development?
- How do partnerships create lasting impact for candidates and P-12 learners?
STRAND 3
Strand 3: Empowering Leadership and Program Sustainability
Independent institutions continue to navigate enrollment challenges, accreditation requirements, policy changes, and financial realities while maintaining high-quality educator preparation programs. This strand focuses on leadership strategies that ensure institutional vitality and long-term success.
Focus Questions:
- What innovative approaches strengthen educator preparation program sustainability?
- How are institutions responding to accreditation and accountability expectations?
- What enrollment and recruitment strategies are demonstrating success?
- How can faculty leadership and shared governance advance program innovation?
- How can cross-institutional collaboration strengthen independent educator preparation?
STRAND 4
Strand 4: Empowering Inclusive Excellence and Educational Opportunity
Independent institutions play a critical role in preparing educators who foster opportunity, belonging, and student success across diverse educational settings. This strand explores practices that expand access, support learner success, and prepare educators to meet the needs of all students and communities.
Focus Questions:
- How can educator preparation programs expand opportunities for all learners?
- What practices support culturally responsive and community-centered teaching?
- How are institutions preparing educators to serve multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and diverse communities?
- How can educator preparation strengthen candidate well-being and resilience?
- What innovative approaches promote positive outcomes for P-12 students?
Register for Conference
Member Registration
- $300.00
Guest – Non-Member Registration
- $300.00
State Rep Registration
- $200.00
Student Registration
- $200.00
AILACTE Board Member Registration
- $200.00
AILACTE Editorial Board Member Registration
- 200.00